Banedon Runestar hails from the great merchant city of Vesper. Son of a fairly successful merchant family, he grew up learning about trade and how to offer quality at a low cost. But even when he was young he had a knack for getting into trouble. Small objects bursting into flames, things moving across rooms, him all of a sudden just showing up in odd places. This unnerved his parents a bit that they sought help and guidance for their son.

They heard at just that point in time that there was a Paladin of Trinsic that had decided to retire out in the woods near the coast. The family gathered some things for a trip and went about looking for this Paladin. They found him standing in the Shrine of Sacrifice meditating.

They asked that the Paladin named Corran Horn, take in their young son and train him in the mysteries of magic and teach him the code of honor. Corran looked the young man over and said that he would give it a try but ask how he was to communicate with the family if he should need them. The mother passed him a communication crystal and told that that should suffice.

And so the raining commenced in earnest. Long days were spent in the woods, meditating, hunting, sparring, and learning the ways of the sword and magic. And all the while Banedon was learning the code of ethics that all Paladins had. He developed a strong code of honor as well as a strong sword arm.

But Banedon was a fast learner and within a year or two he was getting to be about as good as Corran himself, who was getting on in the years. Also, Corran had begun to see vague changes in his aura. Which was also a trick that he taught Banedon. Many times it had saved him and he hoped that that trick would also save the young man.



Corran was also fond of telling Banedon lots of his old stories. Most centered on his history with the Shadowclan Orcs, his attempt at founding a guild, his friends, and his experiences with the Paladins. While they were thought provoking Banedon found them a bit archaic and boring.

But then Banedon spent a night in the woods that would forever change his destiny. He sat meditating by the fire, near the shrine of Sacrifice, pondering what he should do. For he had become unsettled of late and knew not why. As he sat by the fire, the heat on his face, and the night's cool on his back, he felt reassured, and a calming effect come over his turbulent feelings.

Opening his eyes the flame had gone from red-orange to bright green. And the smoke and turned into the head and neck of a dragon. Banedon thought that maybe had had had a bit too much ale. Imagine his shock when the smoke dragon began to speak!

In a low rasping voice the smoke beast called to him. "Ban-e-don, Ban-e-don, I have come to you at long last. Your journey is about to start. For you are unlike most mortals. You are gifted with dragon blood flowing through your veins. You are faster, stronger, smarter, wiser, and more durable then most. You have had an excellent teacher, worthy of being a Dragon's Kin, but it is time for you to leave this place and take your right place. You are then what you have let yourself be. You have much to learn and plenty of room to grow. You are one of the chosen, one of the few, one of the Claw. You must set off on a long journey and the peril you shall be exposed to will be like nothing you have ever faced, but fear not, Luna shall watch over and protect you. Have faith in her and above all, yourself and you shall succeed."

With that the smoke beast faded away and the fire returned to a normal color. The next morning when Banedon returned he found Corran waiting for him by the door. When he approached Corran opened the door and he found his things had been carefully packaged in a backpack and few bags and were sitting by the meal table for him. Also waiting for him at the table was a plate a fresh, hot food and small pile of gold coins.

"Take them." Said Corran softly. "I am old here, and have all that I need, these shall help you on your travels, wherever they lead you. Once you have finished your breakfast you are free to go. I can teach you nothing more."

After eating and telling the old Paladin that he would keep in touch Banedon set foot in Vesper again. After seeing his family one last time before he left he then shouldered his pack and went into the world. After a long and dangerous journey guided by his "Dragon Senses" he found himself in the great forests of Yew. Just like Corran had spoken of. And there he saw several people approaching him. They had the aura of caution on them.

The oldest of them, came forward and asked. "I see you have found us young one. But do you have the mark?" Baring his chest the old man showed off a large dark green tattoo like thing that was in the shape of three V's side by side.

"Aye, wise sir, I have that mark." And with that Banedon put forward his forearm and pulled back the sleeve. Showing off the bright green mark that was on his forearm. All the people crowded around him and then patted him on the back.

The old man smiled at him and said, "Welcome young Banedon Runestar, welcome to the Dragon's Claw." And to this very day, Banedon still talks to his old mentor and talks to the old man every once in awhile, but he usually has to fight for space with the old man's daughter, Aerin Dragon.